Combined Military Services Museum

The Combined Military Services Museum is a UK-based nonprofit organization and registered charity (Charity number: 1196090) dedicated to preserving and showcasing British military history. Located in Maldon, Essex, the museum was established to house a substantial personal collection amassed by its founder, Richard Wooldridge, and opened officially on 5 July 2004.

History and Development

The museum's origins trace back to 1996 when a charity was formed to support the creation of a military museum. After identifying a suitable property—a former bonded warehouse in Maldon—in 2001, extensive renovations were undertaken to adapt the building for museum use. The collection expanded through donations and acquisitions over the years, enhancing its depth and breadth.

In 2007, the museum received a National Lottery grant that enabled an extension to house the Donnington Historic Weapons Collection, a significant addition completed by November 2008.

Collections and Exhibits

The Combined Military Services Museum holds an extensive and diverse range of military artifacts spanning multiple eras of British military history, from medieval times to the modern day. Highlights of the collection include:

• The only surviving Mk2 "Cockle" canoe, famously used during the "Cockleshell Heroes" raid, Operation Frankton.
• A comprehensive array of Special Operations Executive (SOE) equipment, including rare espionage gadgets reminiscent of those popularized in fiction, such as shoes with hidden blades and fountain pen guns.
• The Donnington Historic Weapons Collection, featuring a variety of historic firearms and related artefacts.
• A replica fragment of the metal used to make the Victoria Cross medals, made from bronze captured from enemy cannon.
• The Riggal Papers, unique training records of a WWII SOE instructor found decades after the war ended.
• A significant TSR2 jet engine, notable for being the only example of this aircraft engine on public display.
• Exhibits of Civil War armour, paratrooper models from major conflicts such as Arnhem, Suez, and the Falklands.
• Espionage devices including the Bulgarian umbrella, the type used in the assassination of Georgi Markov in 1978.

Public Engagement and Recognition

The museum serves as a treasure trove for those interested in military history, with thousands of artefacts displayed in well-organized glass cases accompanied by clear, informative labels. It appeals to a broad audience, from casual visitors to serious historians.

In 2016, nearly 100 artefacts from the museum’s SOE and Mason collections were loaned for the exhibition "Guerres Secretes" ("Secret Wars") at the Musée de l'Armée in Paris, illustrating the museum's international recognition.

Visitor Experience

Operating mainly Wednesday to Sunday (and daily during school and bank holidays), the museum provides facilities such as refreshments, a gift shop, picnic areas, and wheelchair access. Admission fees are modest, reflecting its charitable status, with discounts for children, students, and families.

Summary

The Combined Military Services Museum represents a unique and important institution in the UK's cultural landscape, dedicated to preserving and educating the public about the United Kingdom's military heritage through an impressive and varied collection of artefacts, many of national significance.

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[1] https://cmsm.co.uk [2] https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g681388-d2277142-Reviews-Combined_Military_Services_Museum-Maldon_Essex_England.html [3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Combined_Military_Services_Museum [4] https://www.visitmaldon.co.uk/heritage/military-museum.php [5] https://whichmuseum.com/museum/combined-military-services-museum-maldon-3620/tickets-prices